Lake Shelbyville‘s Tree Stand Policy for this year will remain the same as it was last season. The policy allows hunters to leave one stand up for the season (“Seasonal Tree Stand”) and/or utilize up to two “Roving” stands that can be left up during archery season for a period not to exceed a break in use greater than 72 hours – the length of a 3 day weekend. Seasonal tree stands may be placed 2 weeks prior to archery season and must be removed within 2 weeks of archery season-ending. Archery season runs from October 1, 2023 - January 14, 2024. 

Hunters wishing to purchase a seasonal tree stand permit must present a valid hunting license before a permit will be issued. Seasonal tree stand permits will be available for purchase ($30.00) using a credit or debit card at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. located at 1989 State Hwy. 16 in Shelbyville, IL, and Chip’s Marine located at 1068 Cr 1025n, Sullivan, IL.

Roving tree stand permits, which are free of charge, may be obtained in Sullivan, IL at Ace Hardware, Chip’s Marine, Bo Woods Fee Booth, or Phillip’s 66 (formerly Howy’s Lakeside) Gas Station located five miles south of Sullivan, IL on Highway 32. Hunters can also pick up roving tree stand permits at the Lake Shelbyville Project Office, Ace Hardware, Lithia Springs Fee Booth, Lithia Resort, and Craig’s Sporting Goods in Shelbyville. 

Hunters utilizing ladder stands are encouraged to purchase a seasonal permit. A roving permit is designed for the mobile hunter and requires the hunter to remove the stand from the woods if there is a break in use for more than 72 hours. While a ladder stand could be utilized in this manner, due to their size and weight they are not considered very portable. Because of this, numerous citations are issued every season to hunters placing roving permit stickers on ladder stands and failing to remove them when not in use. The expense associated with a citation for Failure to Comply with Posted Restrictions is $80.00, which is approximately 2.75 years' worth of seasonal permits.         

For additional information concerning the Lake Shelbyville Tree Stand Policy, contact the Environmental Stewardship Department at (217) 774-3951, ext. 7049.